The RCMP responded to a complaint of animal cruelty in the Town of Victoria on Dec. 13. Officers found a dog, named Badger, in the backyard.

According to an RCMP news release, Badger was severely underweight and emaciated due to a lack of food.

Officers seized the dog and brought him to the SPCA, where he was examined by a veterinarian and is now receiving food supplementation. Badger is expected to make a full recovery.

The owner has been charged under the Animal Health and Protection Act and is scheduled to answer to the charge in court in February.

The Trinity Conception District RCMP is strongly urging people to report such cases of animal abuse. The public is reminded that if an animal can no longer be cared for due to financial, medical or other concerns, the SPCA can be contacted for options.

Recent comments

I am totally appalled that this century old concept that dogs can be tethered, kept outside in the cold without shelter and fed sporadically still exists. Dogs are one of the smartest animals alive. They get cold, hungry, and need love from the owner. Anything else is unacceptable. I hope the person involved is stricken from ever owning an animal again. Perhaps this person needs to be stripped down to his skivvies and left out in the cold without food, shelter, or water for a couple of hours. I bet he wouldn't last an hour. How dare you do that to an animal! How dare you! Perhaps a year in jail will smarten you up, you cruel man. It makes me ashamed to be called a former Newfoundlander.

@Early August...must you be so ignorant? You know yourself that you can not tar people with the one brush...or are you that uneducated and simply know no better? This goes on everywhere..sadly enough but true..but to be so sarcastic and put in that ignorant remark about Newfoundlanders was totally uncalled for-grow the hell up pal!

Why is it in Newfoundland more than anywhere in North America we see so many animal abuses especially with Beagles and cats.
Hopefully this scum, like the one in Shearstown, will get their just reward!